This entry is in memory of a great man... Hal Stenglein. Hal passed away on Oct 4th, 2009. Hal was 52 years young and was a wonderful man. He was a husband to Jill, father to Julia, John, and Justice, a brother to his sister and to all in Christ. He was a son to Abba Father. He was a great friend. He had a passion for many things. But his biggest passion he had was his family. He loved his wife and kids. And they loved him. He would do anything for anyone, and was a man of so many talents. His passing was a shock to us all and heart breaking. I couldn't believe it when I heard it and I still can't believe it has happened. Though here we are, almost a month after his arrival in heaven, and I still can't believe it.
When I was in the Yoop for his life celebration (funeral), we drove by the Stenglein house. I could see him, standing at the back his house. Smile on his face, waving. When we stopped in to visit, I heard him say,"Hey!" and give us a big hug with a smile. Always a smile. I heard his laugh. So joyful.
The life celebration day came, we saw him so peaceful, not at all what Hal looks like. He needed to be smiling. And it just didn't feel real to me. Jill made a beautiful slide show of pictures. They made me cry, smile, and laugh. Hal had lived such an abundant life.
I was amazed at Jill's strength. Hal is so proud of her. Julia and John too.
So many people stood up and gave their testimonies. So many stories and poems. I spoke and so did my husband. I was very proud of him.
I know most of this entry is about how I feel and what I went through in all of this, but I don't know how Jill feels. Well, we all say we can imagine. But really, we can only imagine it hurts. But unless any of us has lost a spouse or parent, child even, we can't imagine what their family is going through. And even then you need to understand the loss that has taken place. One that was such a shock. Something that happened so abruptly, like a bombshell hit. It was unexpected. And with that there comes more pain, I believe. And I think, that is the closest I will get to ever being able to imagine what Jill and the kids are feeling.
I am not saying that we didn't lose someone in our lives, that we aren't feeling pain too. But our pain is different. I have lost a grandpa and a cousin. Both were expected, neither were easy. But I think every loss is a different one, and comes with knowing that the loved one is no longer in any pain.
In honor of Hal I have wrote a poem for him. I hope you like it. Let me know what you think.
It was too quickly, for us to say goodbye.
Remembering him with tissues in hand and tears in our eyes.
We honored a life that ended too soon.
Comforting each other by the light of the moon.
With Hal, hopefully, we will all be with one day.
Until that time comes, I will make sure to pray.
Pray for Jill and their kids, the family and friends.
For peace and comfort, until our time ends.
Until we go, we shall strive to live like our great pal.
So for now I will say, we miss you, see you soon Hal.
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